13. 1988-89

Viva la revolution! Given how complex sneakers were getting, the military-inspired names should have come as no surprise. Technology was king, what with Nike's Visible Air, Reebok's all-new Pump and ERS (Energy Return System) and Converse's marbled Energy Wave foam. Hightops got higher, and seemingly only Michael Jordan recognized the advantages of playing in a lighter-weight midcut shoe. Others - particulary fellow Nike endorsee Craig Ehlo - would have to learn the hard way.